Equanimity is defined as "mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain: calmness: equilibrium" (www.dictionary.com).
One might call it being smooth under pressure. Perhaps. I feel that with the term smooth comes a certain air of cockiness. Like someone is getting much out of the fact that they look smooth.
To me equanimity happens automatically. You don't have to try and get into your smooth mode. But to attain this state of immediate equanimity takes much practice. Well worth it though.
Just imagine being able to feel confident that whatever is thrown at you there will always be a sense of calm from which to respond. There is an enormous amount of stress people feel when dealing with the unknown. A whole industry called change management was born out of this stress. Many TV shows and movies are written around people coping with the unknowns of life.
Attaining equanimity is a worthy goal. The beauty about it as that the further down the road of attainment you get the less worried you are about achieving it. And, yes, there are things you can do to help move you in this direction. And, they are quite simple.
Want it. You can increase your chances of achieving equanimity by simply learning a bit more about it and recognizing its value to you. If you want to be able to handle conflict better then the pursuit of equanimity is for you.
We have all heard a lot about self-care lately and of this I am glad. Equanimity is a tool one can use to focus inwardly and arm yourself with the strength to persevere in a challenging situation. Finding a word that gets you in a better place consistently and reciting it along with your name can become a habitual practice that brings great reward. As you know I end my blogs with the word Namaste. It has come to be an important part of me trying to find equanimity.
Recognize when you need equanimity. Unfortunately we all have people around us who thrive on conflict and chaos. Many times these are the people that end up pushing our buttons and having us react in a very emotional and unhealthy way. The human body can be taught to react in a way that we want it to by practicing. We all know these people we speak of now. When we are about to encounter them tap into the part of your body and brain that seeks calm. Use your phrase we spoke of earlier as well. The more you practice this the less conscious effort will need to be made as you progress.
Find your rock. For many people after having a bad day - they need to hit the gym. For others it is a nice long walk. For me it has tended to be meditation. Whatever it is that gets your mind in a space where you can embrace just being you need to find it and use it during your journey to equanimity. Be habitual about this. Again, as easy as we can pick up bad habits we can just as easily nurture positive ones. Think of this escape when you are encountering stress, hostility or strife. There is much benefit from just thinking about your rock.
I believe equanimity will have many benefits for you personally and professionally. It has also been linked to mindfulness practice, which I have talked about previously. Some have used the term "being in the zone." Whatever you call it and however you use it will be very personal. My one piece of advice is to just look into it and perhaps give it a try. If it catches on for you that is fantastic. I hope it truly becomes your self-care superpower.
Namaste friends
Kelly
